A year later, Verdant Green Maiden met Zhang Qian in the capital of Dayuan, when he returned from Great Yuezhi.
By then, Verdant Green Maiden wore a gown in the distinctive style of the Western Regions.
She was covered in pearls and jade, her gauzy skirt fluttering in the breeze.
Verdant Green Maiden's skin was fair, and her long black hair fell smooth and glossy. Unlike ordinary people, she showed none of the dryness and roughness left by the wind and sand. With her peerless beauty, it was only natural that the people of the Western Regions took her for a Heavenly Maiden descended from Heavenly Mountain.
As the sun was setting, people gathered in the plaza before the Royal Palace, singing and dancing.
Snake's figure was supple as she lifted her flowing scarf and danced to the music of the konghou.
Qing Niao flew across the sky.
"Zhang Qian, come dance with us!"
When she saw Zhang Qian, Verdant Green Maiden called out. The people around them warmly crowded in and pulled him into the dance.
Zhang Qian solemnly cupped his hands to Verdant Green Maiden in greeting. "Miss Qing Nü!"
Seeing the worry in Zhang Qian's expression, Verdant Green Maiden patted his shoulder. "Don't dwell on it. Great Yuezhi may have gone far away and have no wish to return, but the countries of the Western Regions are still here!"
"To the north is Wusun, with a hundred thousand skilled archers; to the south are the other countries, rich in produce. They can all support Han!"
Her reassurance soon helped Zhang Qian put his feelings in order.
The envoys he had sent to the countries of the Western Regions were returning one after another, bringing back a wealth of intelligence.
The lands and customs of the Western Regions